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HB 1159 · 2026 · House · Executive Departments and Administration Committee

Update to state building code

AI-generated

relative to updating the state building code.

Updates the definition of the state building code.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · May 12, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill updates the definition of the state building code.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Carol McGuireRPrime
  • Rep. Heath HowardDDeputy Ranking Member· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration

Also: Rep. Keith ErfR

Public testimony

71 signed in online · 21 wrote testimony

7% support93% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“My name is Karen and I live and vote in Bristol. I am OPPOSED to this bill because building Energy Codes reduce the cost of home and building ownership by lowering monthly energy bills.…”
— Karen Bemis, Bristolopposes
“This does not include the International Energy Conservation Code. We must keep increasing building energy efficiency in line with technology so we can achieve energy freedom and reduced longterm energy costs in our state.”
— Emerald Levick, Gilsumopposes
“I oppose this bill because modern energy codes lower long-term costs by reducing energy bills and protecting homeowners from inefficient construction. Rolling back these standards would lock in higher expenses for decades and weaken New Hampshire’s economic competitiveness.”
— Catherine Bushueff, Sunapeeopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 28, 2026Public hearingHouse Executive Departments and Administration11:05–12:351m 30slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Public Hearing; Executive Session
  • Feb 12, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass — adopted, voice vote
  • Mar 4, 2026Public hearingSenate Executive Departments and Administration36:16–37:551m 39slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
  • Mar 12, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1058s; Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1058s — adopted, voice vote; Committee Amendment # 2026-1058s — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 9, 2026Floor debateHouse floor58:40–59:441m 4slocated in the stream transcriptHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1058s (Rep. Layon) — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 23, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamEnrolled Adopted — voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 8
  2. Jan 28, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 231
  3. Jan 28, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 231
  4. Jan 28, 2026House: Ought to Pass 01/28/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC) HC 6 P. 5
  5. Feb 12, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 4
  6. Feb 5, 2026SenIntroduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 4
  7. Mar 4, 2026SenHearing: 03/04/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:30 am; SC 7
  8. Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1058s, 03/12/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 9
  9. Mar 12, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1058s, AA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  10. Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1058s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  11. Apr 9, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1058s (Rep. Layon): MA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 8
  12. Apr 23, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 04/23/2026); SJ 11
  13. Apr 23, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 82
  14. May 8, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 05/08/2026; Chapter 49; eff. 07/01/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.